Wilfried Zaha, a forward for Crystal Palace, appears prepared to “shun” contract negotiations with the club in favor of securing a free transfer to a Premier League team that will participate in the UEFA Champions League next season.
Zaha, who is in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, has reportedly been strongly linked with moves to Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
Although it is rumored that the Eagles are eager to begin contract negotiations with the Ivorian winger, it is increasingly likely that Zaha will leave the organization next summer on a free transfer.
The 29-year-old had been linked to a move to the Emirates Stadium in the past, but the Gunners’ £40 million bid to Palace was turned down, and Arsenal instead decided to sign Nicolas Pepe of the Ivory Coast for £72 million.
Zaha has previously acknowledged being an Arsenal supporter his entire life, which could give the Gunners an advantage in a potential transfer battle with their Premier League rivals.
Zaha’s agents were looking into options for the player during the summer transfer window as his deal with Palace was about to expire, as Fabrizio Romano had previously reported. The international player from Ivory Coast has had a productive start to the 2022–23 season, tallying five goals and one assist in nine appearances.
